Bursting with Flavor: Easy & Delicious Cherry Crisp Recipe

Get ready for a comforting and utterly delicious dessert! This easy cherry crisp recipe is the perfect way to showcase the sweet and tart flavors of fresh or frozen cherries, topped with a buttery, crumbly oat topping. It’s simple to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Enjoy this warm fruit crisp on its own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!

Cook Time:

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35-45 minutes
Total time: 50-60 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need:

9×13 inch baking dish (or similar sized oven-safe dish)
Large mixing bowl
Medium mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
Pastry blender or fork (for the topping)

Ingredients:

For the Cherry Filling:

6 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries (if using frozen, no need to thaw)
½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to the sweetness of your cherries)
2 tablespoons cornstarch or tapioca starch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, enhances cherry flavor)

For the Oat Crisp Topping:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (1 stick or 113g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven & Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).¹ Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. Make the Cherry Filling: In the large mixing bowl, gently combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch (or tapioca starch), lemon juice, and almond extract (if using). Stir until the cherries are evenly coated.

3. Assemble the Filling: Pour the cherry mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

4. Prepare the Oat Crisp Topping: In the medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

5. Add the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or a fork to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You can also use your fingertips, working quickly to keep the butter cold.

6. Sprinkle the Topping: Evenly sprinkle the oat crisp topping over the cherry filling in the baking dish.

7. Bake the Crisp: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven and the juiciness of your cherries.

8. Cool and Serve: Let the cherry crisp cool slightly for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken a bit. Serve warm on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Tips for the Perfect Cherry Crisp:

Adjust Sugar: Taste your cherries before adding sugar. If they are very sweet, you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.
Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is key to creating a crumbly and delicious crisp topping.
Don’t Overmix the Topping: Mix the topping ingredients just until they are combined and resemble coarse crumbs. Overmixing can result in a tougher topping.
Frozen Cherries Work Great: Don’t hesitate to use frozen cherries! There’s no need to thaw them beforehand. They may release a bit more liquid, so ensure your baking dish is deep enough.
Add Nuts (Optional): For extra crunch and flavor, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crisp topping. About ½ cup should do the trick.
Spice it Up: Feel free to experiment with other spices in the topping, such as a pinch of nutmeg or ginger.
Prevent Overflow: If your cherries are very juicy, you can place a baking sheet lined with parchment paper underneath the crisp to catch any potential spills.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the cherry filling and the topping separately up to a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking.
Freezing: Leftover cherry crisp can be frozen. Let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

And there you have it – a warm, bubbly, and utterly satisfying cherry crisp that’s as easy to make as it is delicious! The sweet and tart cherries nestled beneath that golden, crumbly oat topping are a match made in dessert heaven. Whether you’re serving it up for a casual weeknight treat or a special gathering, this fruit crisp is sure to bring smiles all around. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of pure comfort. Happy baking!